The director of the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City has had an 18-year career dedicated to bringing the joy of learning to families.

Suzanne LeBlanc first took the helm of the Long Island Children's Museum in 2005. Since then, she made it her mission to put the museum on the map.

“I like to come to a museum, learn about it and figure out how to take it to the next level,” she said. “I love so many things about being a museum director here. Every day I walk around, and I see people laughing, smiling.”

LeBlanc has seen the museum welcome 3.5 million visitors over the years. Under her leadership, the museum won the National Medal for Museum & Library Service in 2012, along with an Accredited Museum status, an elite honor awarded to only 3% of museums nationwide.

Nassau Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Darcy Belyea says LeBlanc calmly guided the museum through turbulent times such as the pandemic and a hurricane that damaged the building.

“They came out bigger and better than prior to all those crises. It's a true testament to her leadership,” said Belyea.

LeBlanc plans to retire in May to spend more time with her family. However, she leaves a lasting legacy behind.

“The best thing is knowing you have an impact on so many people,” she said.